Record-breaking Floods in South Korea Leave at Least 40 Dead, Including 13 in Tunnel

South Korea has been grappling with catastrophic flooding as heavy rains continue to batter the country, leading to extensive damage and loss of life. At least 40 people have been killed in the flooding, with several others still reported missing. The situation took a grim turn when 13 bodies were discovered in a flooded tunnel in Osong, located near the city of Cheongju, about 70 miles south of Seoul.

The flooding occurred after the Miho River overflowed its banks on Saturday, trapping vehicles, including a bus, in the tunnel underpass. Rescue efforts managed to save nine individuals, but the recovery of the 13 bodies highlights the severity of the disaster. The Ministry of Public Administration and Safety confirmed the casualties in a statement released on Monday.

The search and rescue operation is ongoing, despite the continuous heavy rainfall hampering efforts. South Korea has experienced extremely high levels of precipitation, with accumulations reaching up to 23 inches since Thursday. The downpours have triggered landslides and road collapses, causing widespread devastation and damaging homes, crops, and infrastructure.

President Yoon Suk Yeol, who recently returned to the country, acknowledged the severity of the situation during a press conference. He referred to the recurring extreme weather events as “our new normal” and emphasized the need to reshape the mindset surrounding these occurrences. President Yoon also criticized local governments for their lack of preparedness and failure to block off entry into vulnerable areas before and during the floods.

The Korea Meteorological Administration issued a warning about the upcoming weather conditions, forecasting heavy rainfall in the country’s south. Rainfall totals of 2.5 inches per hour are possible on Tuesday, while Jeju Island, off the south coast, could see up to 3.1 inches per hour on Wednesday.

South Korea has an annual monsoon season, but this marks the second consecutive year of significant flooding. Last August, the country experienced another devastating flood that claimed the lives of 11 individuals, including vulnerable residents living in semi-underground apartments in Seoul.

The dire situation in South Korea parallels similar flooding events occurring globally. Countries such as Japan, India, and the United States have also experienced severe and deadly flooding recently. The frequency and intensity of these extreme weather events highlight the urgent need for climate action and adaptation measures.

In conclusion, South Korea continues to grapple with severe flooding, resulting in numerous casualties and extensive damage. The ongoing heavy rainfall poses further challenges to search and rescue operations. As the country and the world confront the reality of increasingly frequent extreme weather events, there is a pressing need for proactive measures to mitigate the impact and build resilient infrastructure.